OUT-of-sorts striker Jon Newby would take a goal from anywhere, even off his own backside!

The Shakers hitman, who has still scored 11 times this season, admitted that he is experiencing a barren patch.

Newby has not scored since December 29 when he found the net against Kidderminster Harriers.

But he is still confident in playing a key role in Bury's brave push for promotion.

"You just need it to go in off your backside," said Newby.

"Unfortunately, things aren't going for me at the moment, but I just need a bit of luck, as do the team.

Scoring spree

"I was a little disappointed with my form earlier in the season, but since the Bournemouth game, I think I have played well, except probably against Macclesfield. It's the same for any striker and you just need to go and score to get some confidence back.

"If I score, then I'm sure I'll bag a few more, but I'm still trying as hard as I ever have done."

And that's a view shared by player/manager Andy Preece, who is confident his striker will come up trumps once he scores again.

But Preece will be the first to admit sooner rather than later, with six games remaining in the play-off race.

"He's got to keep believing in himself and get in the right areas," said Preece. "I think everyone in the crowd is willing him to score at the moment. Once he scores, we might get a glut of goals.

"If he gets 15 goals in a season, that will be good for Newbs.

"He's having one of those spells, but he is still creating chances and working hard around the box. If he keeps doing that, I'll be happy."

'I won't be prolific'

But although Newby admitted that he is desperate to score, he is well aware of his own capabilities.

"Whatever club I'm at, I'm not going to be a prolific striker," he added Newby. "But at least I'm still setting some chances up.

"It's a strange situation to be in, but it's exciting all the same because we're still in the play-off race.